Use Upcycled Materials to Create Holiday Decor

Create tabletop trees from newspaper and cardboard boxes. Cut cardboard boxes down into flat sheets, then roll each sheet into a conical form. Next, cut the uneven cardboard along the bottom of the conical and keep both ends of the cardboard fastened together with glue. Next, cut newspaper into 4-inch strips, then fray the newspaper with scissors. Wrap each conical with the layers of frayed newspaper, then secure them in place with glue.

Add a playful touch to tabletop surfaces with reindeer made from recycled gift wrap tubes. To make, cut the tubes to size with a utility knife, allowing 4 inches of length for the body and 2 inches of length for the head. Next, cut twigs with floral shears, then add holes to the bottom of the 4-inch tube and along the top and the bottom of the 2-inch tube. Insert the twigs as legs, antlers and neck, then keep them firmly fastened with glue.

Birch logs can be used for many different upcycled projects, including Christmas trees ornaments. Cut birch logs into 1/4-inch discs, then use a drill bit to add a hole along the top. Next, trace shapes onto acetate and cut out with a utility knife. Add the silhouette acetate to the birch log with double-sided tape or glue, then create a hanger by looping ribbon or twine through the hole.

With simple DIY skills and leftover paint, you can turn empty paint cans into colorful planters for year-round container gardening. Get the step-by-step instructions >>